VehicleVerdict

1980 Dodge Challenger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1980 Dodge Challenger — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1980 compare to other Challenger years?

Challenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1980 highlighted433 complaints1970: 1 complaints1971: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 3 complaints2008: 17 complaints2009: 171 complaints2010: 433 complaints2011: 255 complaints2012: 338 complaints2013: 251 complaints2014: 213 complaints2015: 185 complaints2016: 109 complaints2017: 70 complaints2018: 115 complaints2019: 93 complaints2020: 33 complaints2021: 27 complaints2022: 11 complaints2023: 51 complaints
Challenger NHTSA complaints by model year, 1980 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Challenger years to avoid →

Does the 1980 Dodge Challenger have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E064000Fuel SystemAugust 27, 2007 · 34,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMPS SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF CARTER, ACCUFLOW, NAPA, TRUFLOW, PARTS DEPO, AND PARTS MASTER, SHIPPED BETWEEN AUGUST 2006 AND JULY 2007 FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL PUMP DIAPHRAGM IN CERTAIN PRODUCTION RUNS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR INADEQUATELY TESTED WHICH MAY CAUSE THE FUEL PUMP TO LEAK.

Consequence

A LEAKING FUEL PUMP COULD CREATE A VEHICLE FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL AT 248-354-7700.

80V010000LightingFebruary 15, 1980 · 25,004 units

Defect

THE ASHTRAY BULB SOCKET IN THE INVOLVED VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH MATERIALS THAT DO NOT POSSESS THE REQUIRED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE QUALITIES. WHEN THE ASHTRAY BULB IS LIT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, THE SOCKET IS SUBJECT TO OVERHEATING.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING BULB SOCKET AND WIRING ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE IT WITH COMPONENTS THAT HAVE THE PROPER ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE QUALITIES, AT NO CHARGE TO OWNER.

1980 Dodge Challenger — common questions

Is the 1980 Dodge Challenger reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1980 Dodge Challenger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1980 Dodge Challenger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Dodge Challenger years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Challenger years to avoid are 2010, 2012, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2009, 2018, 2016, 2019, 2017, 2020, 2008. The cleanest record among Challenger years belongs to 1980.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.